The award-winning 2021 Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch has been launched at the 37th Thailand International Motor Expo (TIME) 2020 ahead of its Malaysian debut on 17-December. Lucky Thai car enthusiasts!

The rally car for the streets is definitely one of the biggest highlights at the Toyota booth. Placed front and centre, the GR Yaris differs from the regular Yaris not just in looks but also in terms of power.

The entire body is bespoke and the GR Yaris is the only 3-door Yaris that’s currently available in the market. The hot hatch was originally designed for the world rally stage in development with rally legend Tommi Makinnen.

You can see that rally pedigree on the GR Yaris with its bulging wheel arches and its low, wide stance.

Powering the GR Yaris is the G16E-GTS, an in-line 3-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. It is the world’s most powerful 3-cylinder engine that produces a maximum output of 272 PS and 370 Nm.

Toyota's Thai website listed the power output to be less at 261 PS and 360 Nm. This might be due to the fuel sold in Thailand being a gasohol blend.

This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission which powers all four wheels. The top speed of this hot hatch is listed at 230 km/h.

Prices in Thailand have not been officially announced but Toyota Thailand has said that it would not exceed THB 2.7 million (RM 363k). That's a bargain considering the GR Supra starts from THB 5.1 million (RM 686k).

Meanwhile back home, the Malaysian launch of the GR Yaris is expected to be announced on 17-December (or could it be the Vios GR Sport?). Expect the price of the Malaysian-spec GR Yaris to be at least RM 330k.

Special thanks to our friends at Autofun.th for providing the photos of the GR Yaris.